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FIVP warns Veterinary Surgeons Act consult ‘misrepresented’
"Defra appears to be using the consultation, which should unite the veterinary sector, to build support for the CMA’s proposed remedies." – Rita Dingwall.
Defra’s press release made repeated mention of the CMA investigation.

The Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP) has voiced its concern about the handling of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 consultation.

The organisation, which represents independent practices across the UK, has accused the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) of using the consultation to ‘build support’ for the CMA’s remedies. 

Defra first launched its Veterinary Surgeons Act consultation on Tuesday, 27 January 2026. It is due to conclude on Wednesday, 25 March 2026.

Its press release made regular mention of the ongoing investigation being led by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). This included reference to the CMA’s remedy package, which recommended a reform to the Veterinary Surgeons Act

However the CMA’s recommendations are yet to be confirmed, with its final decision report due to be published this month.

FIVP says that calls for a reform to the Veterinary Surgeons Act predate the CMA’s investigation. It says that, as such, the Veterinary Surgeons Act consultation should be considered entirely independently from the final decision report.

It is now accusing Defra of using the ‘long-awaited, vital’ consultation to build support for the CMA’s final decision report.

Rita Dingwall, chair of FIVP, says: “While we are pleased that this much-needed consultation has been launched, we are disappointed that it is being misrepresented as part of the CMA’s remedy package. Defra appears to be using the consultation, which should unite the veterinary sector, to build support for the CMA’s proposed remedies.

“We hope that our members will continue to share their views on the Veterinary Surgeons Act. Everyone in the veterinary profession must consider what is best for the future of veterinary care and animal welfare, independently of the CMA’s reports.”

Image © FIVP

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NSA webinar explores sheep tailing and castration

The National Sheep Association (NSA) is to host a free webinar on the castration and tail docking of lambs.

The webinar, 'Understanding the tailing and castration consultation: A guide for sheep farmers', will be hosted online on Monday, 2 March 2026 at 7.30pm.

It comes during a government consultation into the methods used for these procedures. Farmers are encouraged to engage before the consultation period closes on Monday, 9 March 2026.

The webinar offers clear and actionable guidance to support farmers to contribute meaningfully to the consultation and prepare for potential changes.

On the panel will be former SVS president Kate Hovers, farmer and vet Ann Van Eetvelt and SRUC professor in Animal Health and Veterinary Sciences Cathy Dwyer. Each panel member will utilise their own specialism and expertise to evaluate risks and outcomes to sheep farming.

Find out more about the webinar on the NSA website.